Hospital Cove
I was attracted to the way these two boathouses sat on the very edge of the land. A few inches prouder and they'd be overcome by tugging tides. We forget about the awesome power of tons of liquid sloshed around twice daily as the moon levels beaches like so much heavy equipment while we nap with the waves tickling our toes. I sat in the shade of the dock just out of view, following my rule to find a vantage point that was also a place that I would choose if I were stopping to enjoy the day.

One of the nice things about having a studio in Cataumet is that families have been vacationing here for generations and each place and each outbuilding becomes part of the history of the town. Things have to stay how they are because they've always been that way. While I was painting people came by and told me a little about the boathouses that line the cove (the far one has to have geraniums in the planter) and Itchigumi (spelling?) -- the marsh beyond -- which I assume is an Indian name but I'm sure some of the grandchildren think it is named after the itchies they get from wading in the water.

©2006 DOUG RUGH. Artwork may not be reproduced without permission.